Exclusive Borja Pena interview

Earlier this week we sat down and had a chat with Borja Peña, who is playing on 24th of October at Sabajaq night...

Earlier this week we sat down and had a chat with Borja Peña, who is playing on 24th of October at Sabajaq night...

Tell us where you are right now in your career? What can fans expect from you in the coming months?

I have been travelling a bit this summer and have been influenced by all the music I heard all over the place, so they can expect a pick and mix bag of records from all over the world! Also, the night I play in Egg happens to be my birthday so I’m going to be in very good form :) 

What has been your best gig of 2015? Tell us about it and why?

Well there have been a few, but playing for the BAAAHS team at burning man festival in Nevada was one my all-time highlights! Best party ever! I’m a burner forever!

For people who have never heard your music before, describe it briefly? What can they expect from your tracks?

Being a Sabajaq night, I think I’m going to go darker and dig out some classics that have influenced my sound. I usually play more house with a bit of acid and techy sounds but I like it dark I’m so happy there is a night with more of a techno vibe where I can unleash some tracks that I never get to playanywhere else!

Being from Spain, what attracted you to the London scene?

It was always the music! I followed and bought lots of import records and I fantasized about one day coming to London so finally I did. I’m really attracted to nights like Sabajaq with a mixed crowd and an interesting music policy.

Tell us what we can expect from your new track with Shaun Wright? What was it like working with him?

Me and Tom Stephan "The Cucarachas" have remixed some of his tracks from his record label "Twirl" together with the amazing Alinka, and also remixed a track he did with Stereogamus from Australia in TRIBAL records called “Sweat".

After that we asked him for some vocals and created a track called "Toy" that will be out on the 30th of November on a big record label. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I will play it at Sabajaq for sure!

Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years?

Mmmm that’s a great question! I will still play, no doubt about that, but probably in different venues and less often. I’ve decided to limit the amount of gigs I do and focus more on special events and clubs with a certain energy that I believe in – Egg London is definitely one of those places.

What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments in your DJing career?

Definitely my night DISH with Tom Stephan and my night B(e)ast at Dalston Superstore. That allowed me to do longer, intimate sets and explore my sound. Also playing in parties like Folsom, San Francisco and Burning MAn have been life-changing experiences for me.

 How would you describe and rate the music scene in London and how important is it in terms of your future tracks?

London is a great place as we are so lucky to experience the best DJs and producers from all over the world on a weekly basis. It’s as eclectic as Londoners, with so many sounds and this plethora of influences is pivotal for any London based DJ.

It’s fantastic to be constantly inspired by a multitude of sounds, and as a producer I like to incorporate them in my tracks. My sound is always changing and evolving, I do not sound the same as last month and I will probably sound different again in 2 weeks - it is all part of the fun! 

I’m so lucky to have a monthly night at Rolling Stock called BANG! Together with my good friend Alexander Han who allows me to be creative and also evolve as a DJ experimenting with a very receptive crowd.

Who are your main influences in the music industry and why?

So many to mention! I like people like David August that make music that is almost classical and full of soul. I come from a family of classical musicians and love tracks that are like a journey, so for that reason I appreciate the sensitivity and craft of people like Kim Ann Foxman, Maya Jane Coles, Nina Kraviz, The Black Madonna, Alinka, Jennifer Cardini, Ellen Alien, Steffi, Virginia, Margaret Dygas.... I don’t know why, but the ladies of the industry are killing it at the moment and their sound is magical!

Get tickets to Sabajaq: Sam Paganini, Luigi Madonna, Dennis Cruz, Just Her, Borja Pena + more